Portsmouth lost ‘significant’ funds after Millwall postponement – Andy Cullen
Andy Cullen has confirmed “significant” money has been lost at Portsmouth following the postponement of the fixture against Millwall.
Speaking at the Tony Goodall Fans’ Conference – the minutes of which published on the club’s official website [18 December] – the CEO admitted policing costs are the primary setback of rearranging the fixture, alongside other bills.
The two sides will go again on 28 January following power system failures at Fratton Park shortly before kick-off on 27 November.
“Significant money has been lost. Principally, that’s for the huge policing bill, probably our biggest of the season, which we’ll now need to pay for again,” Cullen outlined.
“Although there were some food and drink takings on the night, we will need to re-employ catering staff, stewards, etc for the rearranged fixture.
“There should be no loss of income from Sky – the rearranged game will be re-covered as it remains a midweek fixture. We are continuing to work with our insurance provider on these matters.”
Portsmouth suffer financial setback from Millwall postponement
It is unclear the full extent of the financial expense caused by the postponement, but it is certainly something Portsmouth could have done without as further pressure builds to invest.
Pompey have two games in hand on many of their Championship rivals as the previous fixture away at Blackburn Rovers [23 November] had also been called off on the day of the game, due to a waterlogged pitch.
While Blackburn will have to foot the bill for many of the matchday costs at Ewood Park as they recommence the contest on 15 January, the Blues are hit by the same issue a fortnight later.
The added policing is supposedly down to the increased possibility of fan disorder based on historic meetings between Portsmouth and Millwall.
The club have one final Fratton Park matchday in 2024 this Saturday against Coventry City [21 December], before away trips to Watford and Bristol City.
In other Portsmouth news, Ian Darke reveals the formation change he would make to the Pompey side.
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